I believe this is the album I have been waiting for all year. I have to admit I am a bit nostalgic about Tom Caufield's solo guitar album, 'The Slow Dance of Time.' His intricately absorbing compositions reminded me of the eighties when the transition from classical to contemporary guitar was at its zenith. Names like De Grassi, Roos, Speer and Ackerman topped the charts, even though at that time, the charts were hard to find. Caufield would have been on on those charts.

The title tune, 'The Slow Dance of Time,' sounding almost organic at times, reminds of a Joaquin Rodrigo tune with its warm, Spanish style melody and earthy flow. Although time is generally thought of as having a linear course, Caufield's music proves an exception. Does time sway and swirl, turn and twirl? Just listen.

'Francesca on the Rooftop' turned out to be a favorite. The title alone conjures up a warm summer night, an ebony sky full of multi-colored diamonds and an extraordinary someone. The night is full of suggestive smiles and promises kept, but it is the music that consummates the encounter.

'In the Realm of the Senses' was definitely a contemporary tune with a hypnotic cadence. Like a metronome or a musical clock, the tune sauntered along turning the notes into a sway. The music would make you look all around and suggest that you wonder about your present environment.

The tune 'Rumination' finds Tom Caufield at his best. His fretwork is superb as he picks his way through a tune of pensive progressions. It is a contemporary tune with an Old World flair. It made me think of warm summer days, the splash of a courtyard fountain and a certain special someone that begs the question: when?

Another favorite is 'Saving Daylight.' Tom's reoccurring theme of time, memories and daydreams is most prominent in this piece. It is as if Tom, using strong Spanish elements, gathered up all the daylight he experienced and stuffed it in his pockets in hopes of using it at a later time.

'Waking Dream' is the best cut on 'The Slow Dance of Time.' Although a bit more than four minutes long, it felt not long enough. It was a daydream, alright, but not a momentary lapse. It was an instant suspended and cherished. It was a transparent memory overlaid onto a solid moment completing an image held deep in the heart.

Tom suggests that the music is a collaboration between him and his guitar. I would further add one more point, making it a triangle. I would included his spirit. There is an emotional depth to the music that goes below the roots of notes written on paper and fingers sliding on nylon. That emotion is present in every song and deserves a listen.

Rating: Excellent (5 stars)

NEW ALBUM RELEASE - 12/6/2012: Tom Caufield's latest release, "The Slow Dance of Time" offers nine emotional, meditative instrumental compositions performed solely on Spanish Guitar. Sharing elements with the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi, the music is sparse, simple, humble in execution, and expresses a sense of aching beauty. It acknowledges the suffering of life yet conveys the open-ended nature of creation and experience. Perfect for relaxing, reflective thinking or for yoga and meditation, it also stands up to close listens, as the compositions are as interesting as they are subtle. "The Slow Dance of Time" is a guitar music collection of delicate beauty. With photography by Julian Escardo; his work can be checked out HERE.

FRESH INK FROM ITALY: Check out this 11/17/10 review of the newest album, ’Tom Caufield & The Calling, which appeared in the Italian roots music publication "The Long Journey." It was written by Remo Ricaldone. You can read the English translation, click - ... Read in ENGLISH - or to link to the review in the original Italian - click ... Read in ITALIAN.